strum

1
[ struhm ]
See synonyms for strum on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),strummed, strum·ming.
  1. to play on (a stringed musical instrument) by running the fingers lightly across the strings.

  2. to produce (notes, a melody, etc.) by such playing: to strum a tune.

verb (used without object),strummed, strum·ming.
  1. to play on a stringed musical instrument by running the fingers lightly across the strings.

noun
  1. the act of strumming.

  2. the sound produced by strumming.

Origin of strum

1
1765–75; perhaps blend of string and thrum1

Other words from strum

  • strummer, noun

Other definitions for strum (2 of 2)

strum2
[ struhm ]

noun
  1. a strainer, as at the inlet of a system of tubing.

Origin of strum

2
Origin uncertain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use strum in a sentence

  • The accompaniment was a simple strumming on a harp of very few strings, and was hardly more than the beating of time.

    English: Composition and Literature | W. F. (William Franklin) Webster
  • From a corner came the notes of a piano-organ strumming out a stirring march of Rossini's.

    The Well-Beloved | Thomas Hardy
  • It shows the true Spain, and not merely the conventional one of strumming guitars and jingling mule bells.

  • He contented himself with strumming a melancholy air on his guitar: you know that is his resource in embarrassing circumstances.

    The Gold-Seekers | Gustave Aimard
  • Sard, strumming a few chords on the piano, looked thoughtfully at her aunt.

    Under the Law | Edwina Stanton Babcock

British Dictionary definitions for strum

strum

/ (strʌm) /


verbstrums, strumming or strummed
  1. to sound (the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc) with a downward or upward sweep of the thumb or of a plectrum

  2. to play (chords, a tune, etc) in this way

Origin of strum

1
C18: probably of imitative origin; see thrum 1

Derived forms of strum

  • strummer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012